Everybody wants to be a big fish.  What everybody doesn’t know is that to be a big fish, you have to be a small one first. You don’t walk before you crawl; you have to crawl before learning how to walk. Chances are you learned how to stand on your own to feet by using your parents as support.  The same concept applies to finding your niche and success. I wasn’t born knowing I wanted to be a part of the fashion industry, I experimented, made mistakes, and eventually LEARNED fashion was my niche.  One of my mistakes even cost me $400.00 dollars, which to many is chump change; but to me every penny counts (consider that I don’t come from wealth or a “picture perfect” background; my mother, like myself, have had to struggle for anything and everything that makes us up).

Going into college I made the decision to claim Biological Science as my field of study. Luckily, I quickly learned those classes are not the ones I was meant to take, and learning this cost me $400.00 dollars in tuition that the school refused to reimburse me. Although I qualified for all kinds of scholarships, grants, and loans $400.00 dollars lost was definitely a huge hole in a college students pocket. Once I realized Fashion Merchandising was more plausible and appropriate for my likings I decided to claim Fashion Merchandising and Business Marketing as my field of study. 
This marked the beginning stage of my passion for fashion (as cliché as this may sound). Taking classes about the history of fashion, merchandise buying, and entrepreneurship really confirmed that this was the kind of environment I fit into.  As I became more involved with the organizations pertaining to my field of study I realized I had a natural talent for it.  I ran for a position as Director of Menswear for my school’s fashion magazine and got it.  I was truly appreciative for landing the position but shortly resigned after realizing my colleagues weren’t as passionate as I was.  Eager to begin working I mentioned to close friends that I was looking to possibly intern or work for fashion-based company.  Shortly after a close friend who asked me if I would be interested in interning for “Inside Fashion World” approached me.  Not knowing who or what they where, I told her “yes, count me in!” she then put me in contact with the CEO of the company…and this is where my story begins.

I took the initiative to email Natalia Diaz.  Not knowing who she was, I figured I would take a chance at pitching my passion, knowledge, and abilities via email.  Much to my surprise, it worked.  Natalia was traveling often and had barely any time to speak to me, we established a mutual understanding that I would work for her from home.  In other words she would assign me projects and it was my responsibility to complete and submit them to her on time. Not having an inch of experience I decided to take my approach on life and just ‘throw myself into it, blindfolded’.   This was one of the best decisions I could have ever made in my life. Very slowly but surely my relationship with Natalia flourished from a seed to a full flower.  From the beginning I made it my responsibility to prove myself and show her how much I wanted this.  I wasn’t going to be another one that “came and went”, I was going to be someone that “came and will always be remembered”, and here I am now.  Most friends and relatives make it a point to tell me “you’ve come so far, you’re only 21” but I don’t think I’m anywhere near what my future holds. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many talented persons in the industry but I would have never had the chance if it wasn’t for my very own mentor; Natalia Diaz.

What is a mentor and how can they help you? A mentor is someone like Natalia Diaz who takes it upon them to be held responsible for some of the most important decisions you will make throughout your career. They help, guide, and advise you on situations we sometimes don’t have answers for (as rookies).  They offer their wisdom and experiences to you without asking for anything in return.  They believe in you and your talents. They help you see the light at the end of the tunnel when the power goes off.  Most importantly they don’t let you quit and they never quit on you.

One of the many special traits about Natalia is that she never judges. She will never point a finger and she will NEVER hold anything against you.  On the contrary she makes it her priority to inspire others to lead a path of success (even if there is no benefit for her).  I would initially go to Natalia for work related matters. Now, I go to Natalia for everything.  She has been one of the few in the audience watching my life evolve and I know that she will be one out of two or three that will see me grow with her company (Inside Fashion World).  I say “one out of two or three” because unlike many Natalia has faith and she is a believer as much as I am a dreamer.  Even when the shit hits the fan, Natalia will focus on the breeze of the fan not the smell of the shit.  This is why I admire her as a person and look up to her as a professional.

She has placed me in situations many can only dream of and has given me opportunities most have to work years to come across by.  Most importantly to me is that she has my best interest in mind (something very rare in such a industry).  She is the big fish, and I am the little fish.  I will eventually find myself swimming with the big fishes but only with patience and dedication.  Each stage of an animal’s life serves its purpose, I’ve learned that your only getting a “quick fix” by skipping stages.  To have prolonged success you must enjoy every stage of your growth process and absorb as much as you can to take with you to the following episode of your life.  Open your ears and listen to the wise, although it may seem like nagging at first if your smart you will consider what is being told to you and use it to your advantage. I’m still learning myself, but I feel very fortunate to be in the position I am in today.

One of my many gifts to you this holiday season is to hopefully serve as one of your mentors.  Although I don’t have years of experience, I definitely like to think I serve a purpose further more than being able to dress someone.  Use Inside Fashion World as resource tool to help you get ahead.  Let this be your stage to perform. If we share each other’s experiences we can all learn from one another.  I challenge you to find a mentor before 2010 comes around.  This will be your first step towards creating your path to your ultimate goal.  So stop wasting time and start looking.  You probably already have a Natalia Diaz in your life, now its time to use them as an advantage and a resource.

“Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond? Or a medium fish in a huge pond?”
If you answered: “Big fish in a huge pond” keep your mind right…cause you’re already thinking BIG.

Keep moving forward.
-B